The Betrayal of Sin

As we talked about last week, we are born sinners and even when we want to do good, our sin nature always comes creeping back into our lives. But if we know that sin is bad and we want to live God-honoring lives, why do we keep letting sin back in? Sin is very sneaking, it’s alluring and it seems harmless at the time. We don’t go walking into a situation knowing all the consequences, we think everything will be fine and there will be no pain or destruction. Sin comes from Satan and he is crafty, deceitful and most of all wants us separated from God. Satan uses lies that tickle our ears and excite our flesh to convince us the sin he is dangling in our faces will not hurt us or anyone else whom we love. Jesus warns us about Satan when he says in John 8:44, You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Jesus is very straightforward about the devil because he is dangerous. Jesus warns us about the devil because He wants us to know how to stand guard against him, how to protect ourselves, and how to recognize a sinful temptation before it becomes a problem. Sin and all of its temptations can enter our marriages in the form of lusting after another man, coveting what our neighbor has, that we don’t, or being hard-hearted and choosing not to forgive.

Even though we battle sin every day in our relationships with our spouses, we must remember that the war has already been won. What would our battles look like if we fought from a place of victory rather than constantly feeling defeated? “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Jesus wants us to have peace, not to try to fight a battle that has already been won. We don’t want to focus our time and energy on that when we should be focusing our time and energy on spreading the gospel and looking more like Christ every day. Your enemy is not your spouse. Think of your spouse as a part of your platoon. Don’t injure your fellow soldiers with friendly fire, stay focused and keep your eyes on your real enemy, the Devil, and his schemes. We can help stay focused by staying in God’s word, remembering His promises to us, and testing the things that we see and hear. God loves you and wants to protect you from sin and its harmful consequences. Seek Him, listen to Him, and obey Him.

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